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Kitchen

Careless cooking is the number one cause or residential fires.  Never leave cooking unattended.

• It is wise to have a fire extinguisher near the kitchen.  Keep it 10 feet away from the stove on the exit side of the kitchen

• Never pour water on a grease fire - turn off the stove, cover the pan with a lid, or close the over  door

• Keep pot handles on the stove pointing to the back, and always watch young children in the kitchen

• Don't store items on the stovetop, as they could catch fire

• Keep kitchen appliances clean and in good condition, and turn them off and disconnect them when not in use

• Don't overload kitchen electrical outlets and don't use appliances with frayed or cracked wires

• Wear tight-fitting clothing when you cook.  An electrical coil on the stove reaches a temperature of 800 degrees.  A gas flame reaches over 1000 degrees.  Your dishtowel or potholder can catch fire at 400 degrees.  So can your bathrobe, apron, or loose sleeve

• Be sure your stove is not located under a window in which curtains are hanging

• Operate your microwave only when there is food in it